4-acetylanisole

4-Acetylanisole is an organic compound that belongs to the class of chemical compounds known as anisoles. Anisoles are organic compounds containing a methoxybenzene or anisole moiety. The systematic name of 4-acetylanisole is 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanone. It is also known by its IUPAC name, p-acetylanisole.

Structure and Properties

4-Acetylanisole is a light yellow liquid at room temperature. It has a strong, sweet, and hawthorn-like odor. The compound has a molecular formula of C9H10O2 and a molecular weight of 150.1745 g/mol. It is slightly soluble in water but readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and diethyl ether.

Synthesis

4-Acetylanisole can be synthesized by the Friedel-Crafts acylation of anisole with acetyl chloride in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst such as aluminium chloride.

Applications

4-Acetylanisole is primarily used in the perfume industry due to its pleasant odor. It is also used as a flavoring agent in the food industry. In addition, it serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemical compounds in the pharmaceutical industry.

Safety and Precautions

As with all chemical compounds, proper safety precautions should be taken when handling 4-acetylanisole. It may cause skin and eye irritation, and prolonged exposure may result in respiratory irritation. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling this compound.

See Also

• Anisole
• Friedel-Crafts Acylation
• Acetyl Chloride